Adolescent Health Data

How safe are today's high school students, compared with youth from a decade ago? The most reliable data on this topic is found in the Youth Risk Behavior Survey Data Summary & Trends Report, 2013-2023, published today by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. While there are a few metrics showing modest improvement (e.g., sexual activity and drug use are way down), several metrics are troubling (e.g., violence, forced sex, and bullying).  

What can communities do to help youth well-being? The CDC recommends youth develop their social-emotional competencies (CAP translation: leadership skills and Core Values) and "relationship-building" programs like afterschool clubs (CAP translation: more CAP activities). In other words, the people who read the Cadet Blog are part of the solution, so thank you. 

We care about cadets, so that means we care about their health and overall environment. The CDC's report is a good place to learn facts about issues affecting young people. 

Key findings

    •    In 2023, female students and LGBTQ+ students experienced more violence, signs of poor mental health, and suicidal thoughts and behaviors than their male and cisgender and heterosexual peers.
   
    •    From 2021 to 2023, there were early signs that adolescent mental health is getting better. There were also concerning increases in students' experiences of violence at school.
      
    •    From 2013 to 2023, 10-year trends were similar to what data showed in 2021. There were decreases in students' use of substances. There were increases in students' experiences of violence, signs of poor mental health, and suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Students' sexual activity decreased, but so did their protective sexual behaviors, like condom use.

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Reference. 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Youth Risk Behavior Survey Data Summary & Trends Report: 2013–2023. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; 2024.